Taiwan President promotes 26 military officers

Tsai Ing-wen promotes Taiwan’s third female major general

Tsai Ing-wen, left, with Ku Li-tu (Image from Office of the President) Tsai Ing-wen, left, with Ku Li-tu (Image from Office of the President)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) promoted 26 military officers in Taipei today, including the first female to the rank of major general of her administration.

Ku Li-tu (辜麗都) became Taiwan's third female to reach the rank of major general. Ku is head of the Matsu Defense Command's Political Warfare section, and graduate of the Political Warfare Academy.

Ku is among 26 officers who were promoted today. Out of this group, 8 were promoted to lieutenant general, while 18 were promoted to major general, according to CNA.

During her speech, Tsai gave the officers three tasks; pragmatic innovation in the face of a complex security situation, to enhance Taiwan’s overall defense, and to protect Taiwan.

Tsai Ing-wen addressing military officers. (Image from Office of the President)

Tsai said that Taiwan has entered a new security environment which is full of non-traditional threats. The president singled out the proliferation of fake news, which she described as intending to divide people, reduce moral, and tarnish the government’s prestige.

Taiwan must continue to strive towards national defense autonomy, said Tsai, who reaffirmed her administration’s pledge to improve the quality of armed forces personnel, and procurement of weapons.